TEACHERS_PERSPECTIVES_ON_THE_EFFECTIVENESS_OF_TEACHING_VISUAL_PROGRAMMING_LANGUAGE_SCRATCH_TO_ENHANCE_CREATIVITY_AND_PROBLEM_SOLVING_SKILLS_IN_PRIMARY_SCHOOLS_IN_SAUDI_ARABIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the teachers' perspectives of teaching a programming language in primary schools in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the teaching of the visual programming language Scratch, and the extent to which Scratch enhances creativity and problem-solving skills. The study sample consisted of 46 in-service computing teachers at public and private schools in Saudi Arabia. An online survey, consisting of both open-ended and closed-ended questions, was used to gather the quantitative data and the qualitative data regarding the computing teachers' perspectives. According to the results, that male and female in-service computing teachers at public and private schools in Saudi Arabia had positive perspectives about teaching programming in primary schools. The results also showed that computing teachers support the teaching of the visual programming language Scratch to primary school students. In addition, the results indicated that the visual programming language Scratch has significantly positive effects on enhancing problem-solving and creative thinking skills in primary schools.